POTD: The Szép M1 in Hungarian Army Training Operations
The Szép M1 represents modern Hungarian precision rifle design distilled to its tactical essence. Designed around 2008 by Hungarian Army officer Ferenc Szép and produced by Bátori-Épszol Ltd., the rifle features a bullpup layout and rotary bolt locking with three frontal bolt lugs. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, it pairs compactness with inherent accuracy through a free-floating barrel design and carbon-filled polymer cheek rest.
The bullpup configuration keeps the weapon more compact than traditional designated marksman or sniper rifle platforms. The Hungarian Army fields these in limited numbers within special forces and precision rifleman roles. In the Kinizsi Pál training context, the Szép M1 embodies what the Magyar Honvédség emphasizes: focus, discipline, and the mastery that comes from repeating fundamentals. The riflescope is made by Schmidt & Bender. Below are some of the other firearms used.
Photo credit: Magyar Honvédség
Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.
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Traveled in Hungary recently. It is a beautiful country with much history and nice people.
Hungarian military is not giving up that wooden furniture, despite embracing bullpups for bolt guns.